Middle School Science Teacher

Matchbook Learning is a tuition-free public charter school rooted in the Haughville neighborhood of Indianapolis, serving K–8 students at Wendell Phillips School 63. Our students come with high needs and extraordinary potential, including a large population of Multilingual Learners. We are committed to knowing, loving, and helping every child flourish.

About This Role

We are seeking a Middle School Science Teacher to join our departmentalized middle school team, assigned to one grade level (6th, 7th, or 8th) based on candidate strengths and best fit. This is a content-focused role for someone with solid science knowledge—prior classroom experience is not required, but the ability to internalize provided curriculum and embrace coaching is essential. You will teach Elevate Science with full fidelity, supported by IXL data and a strong instructional team. Last year, our students achieved 13 percentile points in science growth; your role will help sustain and build on this progress.

Responsibilities

• Teach science to one assigned middle school grade level (6th, 7th, or 8th), with placement determined collaboratively.
• Deliver instruction using the Elevate Science curriculum with 100% fidelity; all materials are provided.
• Use IXL data to inform daily and weekly instruction, participating in regular data cycles to track student progress.
• Implement SIOP-aligned strategies to support Multilingual Learners in all science instruction.
• Conduct student conferencing to build individual relationships and academic accountability.
• Maintain a structured, high-expectation classroom environment using PBIS systems.
• Actively participate in coaching cycles, walkthroughs, and professional development.
• Communicate proactively with families about student progress.
• Collaborate with flex teachers, instructional coaches, and school leadership to support student growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; a background in science, engineering, or a quantitative field is strongly preferred.
• Strong science content knowledge at the middle school level.
• Valid Indiana teaching license OR enrolled in/willing to enroll in a state-approved transition-to-teaching program.
• Genuine growth mindset and openness to coaching and instructional feedback.
• Commitment to high expectations for all students, including those with high needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience teaching or tutoring science at the middle or high school level.
• Familiarity with Elevate Science, IXL, or similar platforms.
• Experience working with Multilingual Learners or students with learning differences.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Professional Development & Support

Matchbook Learning invests deeply in its teachers through intentional, ongoing professional development connected to daily classroom practice. You will receive:

• Weekly or bi-weekly data cycles to track student progress and plan next steps.
• Structured coaching and feedback from instructional coaches and visible school leadership.
• SIOP-aligned training to effectively support Multilingual Learners.
• Robust bilingual support, including staff, resources, and systems for Spanish-speaking students and families.
• Classroom management systems, PBIS support, and positive behavior reinforcement frameworks.
• Student conferencing structures to build authentic relationships with every student.
• PGP credits for license renewal and full support for educators in transition-to-teaching programs.

Our leadership and support structure includes:

• Assistant Principal of Academics & Tier 1 Instructional Systems
• Assistant Principal of Student Supports & Tier 3 Behavior
• Two School Counselors
• Director of Competency-Based Learning
• Data & Assessment Coordinator
• Dean of Students
• Dedicated Restorative Team
• MLL Director with ongoing language support
• Large bilingual staff and a welcoming environment for Spanish-speaking students and families
• Engagement & Events Coordinator
• Instructional Coaches embedded throughout the school
• Two MLL Academic Specialists providing push-in support for Multilingual Learners
• Special Education Coordinator and a large, dedicated Special Education team
• Instructional Assistant dedicated to producing and collecting materials for teachers

A Whole-Child School

All K–8 students at Matchbook Learning receive Music, Physical Education, PLTW (Project Lead The Way), and College & Career Readiness classes as part of their school day. Our students graduate eighth grade having already chosen a career pathway, entering high school with purpose, direction, and workforce-ready skills.

Benefits

• $51,500 starting salary for new teachers, with a range up to $83,000.
• 5% 401(k) match, dollar-for-dollar, vested at 90 days.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance, including a $0 employee premium health plan option.
• Thanksgiving week fully off, plus fall, winter, spring, and summer breaks.
• 10 PTO days (prorated for mid-year starts).
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 per semester.
• $1,500 perfect attendance bonus.
• Robust ongoing professional development.

Schedule

7:00 AM – 3:00 PM school day.

What We Expect

• A genuine growth mindset—you welcome coaching, feedback, and continuous improvement.
• 100% curriculum fidelity; materials are provided, and you internalize and execute them with excellence.
• Proactive, authentic family communication to build real relationships with parents and guardians.
• Reliability and attendance—your students and teammates count on you.
• Commitment to knowing every student as an individual.
• Enrolled in, or willingness to enroll in, a state-approved transition-to-teaching program if not yet fully licensed.